Description: The kudyapi is a plucked long necked lute and has two strings. It is a member of the “boat lute” sub-section of the plucked cordophone family. It is found in the island of Mindanao and played by the Maranao, Maguindinao, T'boli, Monobo and other Indigenous lumad groups. The kudyapi is known by its many alternate names including “Hegelung, Kutyapi, Fegling or Faglung”. Compositions arranged for the kudyapi are played in the binalig or dinaladay scales. Another difference between the Maguindinao and Marinao peoples they have a specific set of rhythms who are associated with melodies that are played on the kudyapi. The Kudyapi is also played in accompaniment to the epic chants of bayoka. The Marinao people play the kudyapi to accompany the Singkil dance. However this is largely replaced by the more common Kulingtan ensembles. The kasayao-sa-singkil / kasingkil ensembles often pair the kudyapi with the giwong (jaw hap) and soling (flute). The kudyapi is also used in the serenade ensembles or kapanirong. The roles of the vocalist and kudyapi player are two different people in the lumad cultures.

Anatomy of the Kudyapi: The components for the kudyapi include include a hand carved body, made from two separate pieces of wood. The back is attached onto the kudyapi by staples or nails. 11 raised triangular frets are adhered to the surface of the neck. The frets are positioned underneath the first bottom string. Where as the second string on the top serves as a drone. There are two wooden tuning pegs or more commonly two machine gear tuners attached to each side of the head stock. A rope made from hemp is attached from the back to the tuning gears thus allowing the musician to stand when playing the kudyapi.

Foot Notes: Lumad is a Cebuano term who is used to describe the Non-Christianized or Non-Islamic groups of Southern Philippines.